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Mini Marshmallow Ghosts – Halloween Sweet Treats

By Chef Devan

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Unlike my cinnamon ghost meringues from last year, these mini marshmallow ghosts are A LOT easier to make.

Plus, who doesn’t LOVE the soft and chewy texture of a homemade marshmallow?!

Yep, these little guys are made using a simple recipe for piped marshmallows with only a few ingredients and they’re totally gluten-free.

Finding gelatin can sometimes be tricky, so I’m providing recipes for both powdered gelatin and sheet gelatin in case you can only find one (finding powdered gelatin in the Netherlands is near impossible!).

Mini marshmallow ghosts standing together.

How to Make Mini Marshmallow Ghosts

Here a the quick recipe summary for these Halloween treats:

  1. Bloom the gelatin in the measured cold water.
  2. Bring another mixture of sugar and water to 238°F/ 114°C on a candy thermometer (soft ball stage).
  3. Mix the bloomed gelatin and syrup together.
  4. Whip with an electric mixture until stiff peaks are formed.
  5. Pipe the marshmallow mixture onto a tray coated with icing sugar.
  6. Use a spoon to make the arms.
  7. Use some melted chocolate with a toothpick to draw a face.
  8. That’s it!
Soft peaks from the mini marshmallows.

Gelatin Buying Guide

The most difficult part about this recipe is finding the right gelatin. There are two types of gelatin: sheet gelatin and powdered gelatin.

To make things even more confusing, there are different strengths of gelatin called “bloom strength”.

I’m using Dr. Oetker Gelatin Sheets from the Netherlands and despite my best efforts, I can’t find the actual bloom strength. However, this handy guide from Chefsteps indicates that it’s most likely the higher 250 bloom.

Still, European gelatin strengths may be different compared to other parts of the world (even with the same brand).

Note: my gelatin sheets are 3 inches by 5 inches and not the larger ones that are commonly used in the restaurant industry.

If you can’t find gelatin sheets you can also substitute the sheets for 2+1/2 tsp gelatin powder.

For gelatin sheets try these (Dr. Oetker Brand).

For gelatin powder try this (Knorr Brand).

Tips For Working with Gelatin

  • Don’t boil gelatin. Gelatin breaks down when boiled and becomes less effective.
  • Acidic ingredients like wine, vinegar, and citrus will decrease their effectiveness.
  • Don’t mix with foods such as pineapple, kiwi, or papaya which contain an enzyme that can break down the gelatin.
Whipping the marshmallow mixture on medium high speed.

Recommended Tools For These Mini Marshmallow Ghosts

Electric Mixer: You’ll need a high-powered mixer with a whisk attachment as this recipe cannot be made by hand.

Kitchenaid stand mixtures are great but a cheaper hand mixer also works and takes up a lot less room in your kitchen.

I really love this one from Breville which is powerful but still quiet.

Candy Thermometer: This is important because a regular kitchen thermometer will probably not be able to reach the high temperature needed for this recipe.

Make sure you’ve got a thermometer that can reach at least 238°F/ 114°C.

I’m still using this cheap ThermoPro thermometer which doubles down as a meat probe for roasts and BBQ. But you may want to invest in a candy thermometer that clips on the side of your pan like this.

Recipe FAQ

Are Marshmallows Vegan?

No. Traditionally, marshmallows contain gelatin which is derived from pork or beef. There is, however, vegan gelatin, although I have not tested it with this recipe.

Are Marshmallows Gluten-Free?

Yes, this recipe is 100% gluten-free!

Can You Freeze Marshmallows?

Yes. Freezing marshmallows is a great idea because they’ll last longer and the texture of a frozen marshmallow is still a little bit soft.

To freeze these marshmallows, dust them first with a little icing sugar and carefully store them in a large Tupperware container for up to 4 months in the freezer.
To defrost, let them sit overnight in the fridge until softened.

Did you Know?

Marshmallows were actually invented and enjoyed first by Ancient Egyptians as early as 2000 B.C! [1]

Marshmallow was first made from the mallow plant and mixed with honey and nuts. Much later, French candy makers discovered that gelatin worked much better.

Mini marshmallow ghosts standing together.
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5 from 1 vote

Mini Marshmallow Ghosts – Halloween Sweet Treats

Who doesn't want to eat these mini marshmallow ghosts on Halloween? Made with minimal ingredients and gluten-free.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Cost $3/ 2€

Ingredients

For Blooming the Gelatin

  • 3+½ sheets Dr. Oetker gelatin (Or 2+½ tsp powdered gelatin)
  • 113 g cold water (⅓ U.S cup)

For the Syrup

  • 200 g white sugar (1 U.S cup)
  • 85 g water (¼ U.S cup)

Other

  • icing sugar for dusting
  • dark chocolate, for making the eyes
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  • Add the gelatin sheets with the 113g cold water and stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.
    Blooming the gelatin sheets in the water.
  • In a small saucepan combine the sugar with 85g of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
    Combing the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
  • Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and reduce the heat to medium.
    Bring to a temperature of 238°F/ 114°C on a candy thermometer.
    Bringing the syrup to soft ball with a candy thermometer.
  • Carefully stir the hot syrup into the other bowl of bloomed gelatin and stir. Keep stirring to cool the mixture slightly (about 2 minutes).
    Stirring the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin.
  • Using the whisk attachment with your electric mixer, whip the mixture on medium-high speed (8-10 minutes).
    Whipping the marshmallow mixture on medium high speed.
  • Once the marshmallow can hold its shape after being lifted, it's ready to go.
    Optional: stir in the vanilla extract now.
    Soft peaks from the mini marshmallows.
  • Put the mixture in a pastry bag and cut the tip.
    Cutting the tip of the pastry bag.
  • Cover a sheet tray with icing sugar.
    Pipe the ghosts holding the piping bag straight down. Pipe upwards, then a quick pause, then pipe upwards, then a quick pause and pipe again upwards until you have a ghost shape.
    Piping the mixture onto the sheet tray.
  • Use a spoon to dip into the sides of the ghosts and make arms.
    Making the ghost arms.
  • Let chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
  • Melt a small piece of chocolate quickly in the microwave (about 10 seconds). Dip a toothpick into the chocolate to make a face for the ghosts.
    Melting the chocolate to make the ghost faces.
  • The ghosts are now ready to eat.
    Store them in large sealed containers with a dusting of icing sugar to prevent them from sticking.
    Happy Halloween!

Notes

Once the marshmallow is in the piping bag it must be piped right away otherwise it will set in the bag. 
The marshmallow ghosts will continue to set while in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After that, the gelatin will not set any further.
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About Chef Devan

With exceptional talent and passion for gastronomy, Chef Devan has over 15 years of experience across the culinary world, bringing a wealth of experience to the table, even from Michelin-starred restaurants. He's here to help you captivate the senses and delight everyone with easy recipes you could cook at home. Learn more about Braised and Deglazed's Editorial Process.

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